U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,266

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a system100configured to link token detection at a single computing platform with a user identification to unlock content and/or effectuate modifications in virtual space instances presented via multiple computing platforms, in accordance with one or more implementations. Exemplary implementations may enhance consistency in a user's experiences of a virtual space across multiple computing platforms. By way of non-limiting example, a physical token may be detected at a stationary computing platform to unlock content and/or effectuate modifications in an instance of the virtual space presented via the stationary computing platform. The detection of the token may be linked to a user identification (user ID) of the user such that, when the user accesses a different instance of the virtual space via a mobile computing platform using his user ID, the unlocked content and/or modifications are realized in the instance presented via the mobile computing platform.

A given token may be a standalone physical object. In some implementations, the given token may be configured to depict a given character and/or a given virtual item. By way of non-limiting example, the given character may be Captain Jack Sparrow, the fictional character and protagonist of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. The given virtual item may be an accessory associated with Captain Jack Sparrow, such as a sword. The given token may be a toy figurine embodying the appearance of Captain Jack Sparrow and/or the sword.

The system100may include one or more virtual space platforms102. In some implementations, virtual space platform(s)102may be one or more servers (e.g., server(s)104) configured to communicate with one or more client computing platform (e.g., client computing platforms106) according to a client/server architecture. According to some implementations, virtual space platform(s)102may be one or more client computing platforms (e.g., client computing platforms106). In some implementations, virtual space platform(s)102may communicate with other virtual space platform(s)102according to a peer-to-peer architecture. The users may access system100and/or the virtual space via the virtual space platform(s)102and/or client computing platform(s)106.

The virtual space platform(s)102may be configured to execute one or more computer program modules. The computer program modules may include one or more of a user module108, a space module110, a token detection module112, a user ID linking module114, a content unlocking module116, a space modification module118, a virtual item repository module120, and/or other modules.

The user module108may be configured to access and/or manage one or more user identifications, user profiles, and/or user information associated with users of system100. The one or more one or more user identifications, user profiles, and/or user information may include information stored by virtual space platform(s)102and/or other storage locations. The one or more user identifications, user profiles, and/or user information may include, for example, information identifying users (e.g., a username or handle, a number, an identifier, and/or other identifying information) within the virtual space, security login information (e.g., a login code or password), virtual space account information, subscription information, virtual currency account information (e.g., related to currency held in credit for a user), relationship information (e.g., information related to relationships between users in the virtual space), virtual space usage information, demographic information associated with users, interaction history among users in the virtual space, information stated by users, purchase information of users, browsing history of users, a client computing platform identification associated with a user, a phone number associated with a user, and/or other information related to users.

The space module110may be configured to implement one or more instances of the virtual space executed by the computer modules to determine views of the virtual space. In some implementations, the views may then be communicated (e.g., via streaming, via object/position data, and/or other information) from server(s)104to client computing platform(s)106for presentation to users. The one or more instances of the virtual space may include a first instance and a second instance. Both the first instance and the second instance may be associated with a single user identification. The first instance may be configured for presentation via a first computing platform (e.g., a first client computing platform106) and the second instance may be configured for presentation via a second computing platform (e.g., a second client computing platform106). The view determined and presented to a given user may correspond to a user character being controlled by the given user. The view determined and presented to the given user may correspond to a location in the virtual space (e.g., the location from which the view is taken, the location the view depicts, and/or other locations), a zoom ratio, a dimensionality of objects, a point-of-view, and/or view parameters. One or more of the view parameters may be selectable by the user.

The instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated space that is accessible by users via virtual space platform(s)102and/or clients (e.g., client computing platform(s)106) that present the views of the virtual space to a user. The simulated space may have a topography, express ongoing real-time interaction by one or more users, and/or include one or more objects positioned within the topography that are capable of locomotion within the topography. In some instances, the topography may be a 2-dimensional topography. In other instances, the topography may be a 3-dimensional topography. The topography may include dimensions of the space, and/or surface features of a surface or objects that are “native” to the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a surface (e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at least a substantial portion of the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a volume with one or more bodies positioned therein (e.g., a simulation of gravity-deprived space with one or more celestial bodies positioned therein). The instance executed by the computer modules may be synchronous, asynchronous, and/or semi-synchronous.

The above description of the manner in which views of the virtual space are determined by space module110is not intended to be limiting. The space module110may be configured to express the virtual space in a more limited, or richer, manner. For example, views determined for the virtual space may be selected from a limited set of graphics depicting an event in a given place within the virtual space. The views may include additional content (e.g., text, audio, pre-stored video content, and/or other content) that describes particulars of the current state of the place, beyond the relatively generic graphics. For example, a view may include a generic battle graphic with a textual description of the opponents to be confronted. Other expressions of individual places within the virtual space are contemplated.

Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by space module110, users may control characters, objects, simulated physical phenomena (e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other phenomena), and/or other elements within the virtual space to interact with the virtual space and/or each other. The user characters may include avatars. As used herein, the term “user character” may refer to an object (or group of objects) present in the virtual space that represents an individual user. The user character may be controlled by the user with which it is associated. The user controlled element(s) may move through and interact with the virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space, other objects in the virtual space). The user controlled elements controlled by and/or associated with a given user may be created and/or customized by the given user. The user may have an “inventory” of virtual goods and/or currency that the user can use (e.g., by manipulation of a user character or other user controlled element, and/or other items) within the virtual space.

The users may participate in the instance of the virtual space by controlling one or more of the available user controlled elements in the virtual space. Control may be exercised through control inputs and/or commands input by the users through virtual space platform(s)102and/or clients (e.g., client computing platform(s)106). The users may interact with each other through communications exchanged within the virtual space. Such communications may include one or more of textual chat, instant messages, private messages, voice communications, and/or other communications. Communications may be received and entered by the users via their respective virtual space platform(s)102and/or client(s) (e.g., client computing platform(s)106). Communications may be routed to and from the appropriate users through virtual space platform(s)102(e.g., through space module110).

The token detection module112may be configured to detect tokens based on signals received from a token reader122. A given token (e.g., token124) may be a standalone physical object. The given token may be associated with a given character and/or a given virtual item. The given virtual item may be associated with the given character. In some implementations, the given virtual item may be associated with the given character based on a theme shared by the given virtual item and the given character. By way of non-limiting example, the given character may be Buzz Lightyear, the fictional character and deuteragonist of the Toy Story film series. The given virtual item may be the handheld “Blaster” used by Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story film series. The character Buzz Lightyear and the virtual item Blaster share the theme of the Toy Story film series. In some implementations, the given token may be configured to depict the given character and/or the given virtual item. Examples of the given token may include one or more of a toy figurine, a toy accessory, a coin, and/or other form factors suitable to be tokens as described herein.

Individual tokens may be configured to be detectable by token reader122. In some implementations, detection of a given token may be based on a shape of a portion of the given token. In some implementations, a given token may be detectable based on a given signal conveying information associated with the given token. Detection of a given token may be facilitated by electronics embedded within or otherwise included in the given token. For example, the given token may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip configured to emit radio-frequency electromagnetic fields responsive to the given token being disposed in a proximity of token reader122. As another example, the given token may include an integrated circuit configured to transfer information associated with the given token responsive to the given token being placed in contact with a portion of token reader122.

According to some implementations, virtual space content associated with virtual items and/or other virtual space content may be stored at a location other than one or more of the tokens. That is, a given token may not store virtual space content. A given token may store information used to detect the given token. A given token may not store information other than what may be used to detect the given token. Virtual space content may be information used by space module110to affect views and/or gameplay of the virtual space. Such virtual space content may be stored by the virtual space platform(s) and/or by one or more other components of system100.

The token reader122may be configured to provide signals associated with individual tokens. For example, a given signal associated with a given token may convey information associated with the given token. In some implementations, token reader122may be configured to provide a first signal responsive to one or more of (1) a first token abutting a portion of the token reader, (2) the first token being disposed in a proximity of the token reader, and/or other actions configured to facilitate detection of the first token. According to some implementations, token reader122may be a peripheral device configured to be communicatively coupled with one or more components of system100. In some implementations, token reader122may be integrated so as to form a singular device with a component of system100(e.g., a given virtual space platform102). According to some implementations, one or more of the client computing platform(s)106may be communicatively coupled with a token reader122, while one or more of the client computing platform(s)106may not be communicatively coupled with and/or otherwise associated with a token reader122. For example, a stationary client computing platform may have an integrated token reader, while a mobile client computing platform may not have a token reader associated therewith.

The user ID linking module114may be configured to associate detection of individual tokens with individual user identifications. For example, detection of a first token may be associated with a first user identification responsive to a first signal being received from a token reader122communicatively coupled with a first computing platform (e.g., a client computing platform106) with which the first user accesses an instance of the virtual space. In some implementations, a user profile may be modified to indicate that one or more tokens have been detected in connection with the corresponding user.

The content unlocking module116may be configured to unlock content in the virtual space responsive to individual tokens being detected. The content may include one or more of a character, a virtual item, and/or other content. Previously locked content may become accessible in the virtual space responsive to being unlocked. That is, until certain content is unlocked, it may not be accessible and/or available in the virtual space. The content may include first content configured to be unlocked responsive to the association between the detection of the first token and the first user identification. The unlocked first content may be accessible in both the first instance via the first computing platform as well as a second instance of the virtual space via a second computing platform (e.g., a second client computing platform106). According to some implementations, where the instances of the virtual space further include a third instance associated with the first user identification, the third instance being configured for presentation via a third computing platform (e.g., a third client computing platform106), the unlocked first content may be accessible in the third instance via the third computing platform.

According to some implementations, content unlocking module116may be configured to unlock content responsive to a performance of one or more game mechanisms associated with the virtual space in conjunction with token detection. A game mechanism may include an action, a mission, a quest, a task, and/or other game mechanism. In some implementations, unlocking certain content may require both a given token being detected and a given game mechanism being performed.

In some implementations, certain content may be unlocked responsive to two or more tokens (e.g., a first token and a second token) being detected. The two or more tokens may be detected by the same token reader122and/or by token readers122associated with different virtual space platforms102. The content may embody a combination of content associated with the two or more detected tokens. By way of non-limiting example, the content unlocked responsive to two or more tokens being detected may include an accessory that combines certain features of the sword and the Blaster.

The space modification module118may be configured to effectuate modifications in the virtual space responsive to individual tokens being detected. The modifications may include one or more of a modification to a character, a modification to a virtual item, a modification to one or more aspects of the virtual space, and/or other modifications. The modification to the character may include a modification to one or more of a behavior of the character, an ability of the character, an appearance of the character, a relationship of the character, and/or other modifications to the character. The modification to the virtual item may include a modification to one or more of a function of the virtual item, an effectiveness of the virtual item, an appearance of the virtual item, and/or other modifications of the virtual item.

The one or more aspects of the virtual space may include one or more of objectives associated with the virtual space, an environment of the virtual space, a theme of the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the virtual space. Generally speaking, a given objective may be a purpose or goal that efforts or actions within the virtual space are intended to attain or accomplish. By way of non-limiting example, an objective may include a set of actions that must be performed by a user character in order to advance to a next level of gameplay in the virtual space.

The environment may be an aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space. By way on non-limiting example, the surroundings of the virtual space may include one or more of the appearance of the virtual space, a color scheme of the virtual space, a sound and/or soundtrack associated with the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the surroundings of the virtual space. The conditions of the virtual space may include one or more of laws of nature (e.g., gravity) of the virtual space, weather depicted in the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the conditions of the virtual space. Modifying the environment may include modifying one or both of the surroundings or the conditions of the virtual space.

The theme of the virtual space may be a unifying subject associated with the virtual space. A given character may be one of a given plurality of characters associated with a given theme. By way of non-limiting example, where the first character is Captain Jack Sparrow and the second character is Buzz Lightyear, the first theme may relate to Pirates of the Caribbean and the second theme may relate to Toy Story. Modifying the theme of the virtual space based on the given theme may include incorporating one or more attributes of the given theme in the theme of the virtual space. Examples of such attributes may include one or more of objects, designs, symbols, color schemes, music, and/or other attributes that identify a given theme.

The modifications may include a first modification configured to be made responsive to the association between the detection of the first token and the first user identification. The first modification may be observable in both the first instance via the first computing platform and the second instance via the second computing platform. According to some implementations, where the instances of the virtual space further include a third instance associated with the first user identification, the third instance being configured for presentation via a third computing platform (e.g., a third computing platform106), the first modification may be observable in the third instance via the third computing platform.

The virtual item repository module120may be configured to provide a virtual item repository within the virtual space. The virtual item repository may be configured to facilitate access by a plurality of characters to a plurality of virtual items. The plurality of characters may include the first character and the plurality of virtual items may include the first virtual item. The first virtual item may be accessible via the virtual item repository in both the first instance via the first computing platform and the second instance via the second computing platform. Where the plurality of characters includes a second character, the first virtual item may be accessible to the second character via the virtual item repository.

In some implementations, the virtual item repository may be visually represented at a location within one or more instances of the virtual space. By way of non-limiting example, the virtual item repository may be visually represented as a toy box within the virtual space. In some implementations, a given character may be required to be located proximally with the visual representation of the virtual item repository in order to access individual ones of the plurality of virtual items. For example, the given character may be required to stand next to, enter, and/or otherwise be located proximally with the visual representation of the virtual item repository in order to access a given virtual item.

According to some implementations, individual ones of the plurality of virtual items made accessible by the virtual item repository may be accessible to a given character via an inventory associated with the given character. The inventory may be accessible via a menu and/or other interface associated with the virtual space.

Accessibility of virtual items via the virtual item repository may vary according to different implementations. In some implementations, the virtual item repository may be configured such that a given virtual item is accessed by two or more characters at a given time. In some implementations, the virtual item repository may be configured such that a given virtual item is accessed by one single character at a given time. The one single character may be required to relinquish the given virtual item in order for the given virtual item to be accessed by another character.

In some implementations, two or more components of system100(e.g., virtual space platform(s)102, server(s)104, client computing platform(s)106, token reader122, and/or external resources126) may be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. For example, such electronic communication links may be established, at least in part, via a network such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this disclosure includes implementations in which two or more components of system100may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

A given server104may include one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program modules may be configured to enable an expert or user associated with the given server104to interface with system100and/or external resources126, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to server(s)104.

A given client computing platform106may include one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program modules may be configured to enable an expert or user associated with the given client computing platform106to interface with system100and/or external resources126, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to client computing platform(s)106. By way of non-limiting example, the given client computing platform106may include one or more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a NetBook, a Smartphone, a gaming console, and/or other computing platforms.

The external resources126may include sources of information, hosts and/or providers of virtual environments outside of system100, external entities participating with system100, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources126may be provided by resources included in system100.

The virtual space platform(s)102may include electronic storage128, one or more processors130, and/or other components. The virtual space platform(s)102may include communication lines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other computing platforms. Illustration of virtual space platform(s)102inFIG. 1is not intended to be limiting. The virtual space platform(s)102may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein to virtual space platform(s)102. For example, virtual space platform(s)102may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together as virtual space platform(s)102.

Electronic storage128may comprise electronic storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage128may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with virtual space platform(s)102and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to virtual space platform(s)102via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage128may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronic storage128may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage128may store software algorithms, information determined by processor(s)130, information received from one or more other components of system100, and/or other information that enables virtual space platform(s)102to function as described herein.

The processor(s)130may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in virtual space platform(s)102. As such, processor(s)130may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor(s)130is shown inFIG. 1as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s)130may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor(s)130may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination. The processor(s)130may be configured to execute modules108,110,112,114,116,118,120, and/or other modules. The processor(s)130may be configured to execute modules108,110,112,114,116,118,120, and/or other modules by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s)130.

It should be appreciated that although modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and120are illustrated inFIG. 1as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s)130includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and/or120may be located remotely from the other modules. The description of the functionality provided by the different modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and/or120described herein is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and/or120may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and/or120may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and/or120. As another example, processor(s)130may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and/or120.

FIG. 2illustrates a method200andFIG. 3illustrates a method300, in accordance with one or more implementations. The operations of method200and/or method300presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, method200and/or method300may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method200and/or method300are respectively illustrated inFIG. 2and/orFIG. 3and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some implementations, method200and/or method300may be implemented in one or more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of the operations of method200and/or method300in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method200and/or method300.

The method200, illustrated inFIG. 2, is for linking token detection at a single computing platform with a user identification to unlock content in virtual space instances presented via multiple computing platforms, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation202, user identifications associated with users of the system may be managed. The user identifications may include a first user identification associated with a first user. Operation202may be performed by a user module that is the same as or similar to user module108, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation204, instances of a virtual space may be implemented to determine views of the virtual space. The instances of the virtual space may include a first instance and a second instance. Both the first instance and the second instance may be associated with the first user identification. The first instance may be configured for presentation via a first computing platform and the second instance may be configured for presentation via a second computing platform. Operation204may be performed by a space module that is the same as or similar to space module110, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation206, one or more tokens may be detected based on signals received from a token reader. The token reader may be communicatively coupled with the first computing platform. A given token may be a standalone physical object. The one or more tokens may include a first token. The first token may be detectable based on a first signal conveying information associated with the first token. Operation206may be performed by a token detection module that is the same as or similar to token detection module112, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation208, detection of individual tokens may be associated with individual user identifications. Detection of the first token may be associated with the first user identification responsive to the first signal being received from the token reader communicatively coupled with the first computing platform. Operation208may be performed by a user ID linking module that is the same as or similar to user ID linking module114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation210, content may be unlocked in the virtual space responsive to individual tokens being detected. Previously locked content may become accessible in the virtual space responsive to being unlocked. The content may include first content configured to be unlocked responsive to the association between the detection of the first token and the first user identification. The unlocked first content may be accessible in both the first instance via the first computing platform and the second instance via the second computing platform. The first content may include one or both of (1) a first character or (2) a first virtual item. Operation210may be performed by a content unlocking module that is the same as or similar to content unlocking module116, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The method300, illustrated inFIG. 3, is for linking token detection at a single computing platform with a user identification to effectuate modifications in virtual space instances presented via multiple computing platforms, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation302, user identifications associated with users of the system may be managed. The user identifications may include a first user identification associated with a first user. Operation302may be performed by a user module that is the same as or similar to user module108, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation304, instances of a virtual space may be implemented to determine views of the virtual space. The instances of the virtual space may include a first instance and a second instance. Both the first instance and the second instance may be associated with the first user identification. The first instance may be configured for presentation via a first computing platform and the second instance may be configured for presentation via a second computing platform. Operation304may be performed by a space module that is the same as or similar to space module110, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation306, one or more tokens may be detected based on signals received from a token reader. The token reader may be communicatively coupled with the first computing platform. A given token may be a standalone physical object. The one or more tokens may include a first token. The first token may be detectable based on a first signal conveying information associated with the first token. Operation306may be performed by a token detection module that is the same as or similar to token detection module112, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation308, detection of individual tokens may be associated with individual user identifications. Detection of the first token may be associated with the first user identification responsive to the first signal being received from the token reader communicatively coupled with the first computing platform. Operation308may be performed by a user ID linking module that is the same as or similar to user ID linking module114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation310, modifications may be effectuated in the virtual space responsive to individual tokens being detected. The modifications may include a first modification configured to be made responsive to the association between the detection of the first token and the first user identification. The first modification may be observable in both the first instance via the first computing platform and the second instance via the second computing platform. The first modification may include one or more of (1) a modification to a first character, (2) a modification to a first virtual item, or (3) a modification to one or more aspects of the virtual space. Operation310may be performed by a space modification module that is the same as or similar to space modification module118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.